This online course is all about Google! Google offers many resources for educators. This course will offer participants opportunities to practice using Google resources in the classroom.
Modules are Getting Started with Google, Google Search, Google Documents, Google Toolbar & Bookmarks, Google Reader, and Google Calendar.
Course Prerequisites
This is an advanced technology course that has been developed with the expectation that participants already know how to operate a computer with proficiency and browse the internet. Participants should be self-motivated independent learners who are able to meet weekly deadlines. Online learning is aimed at independent learners. If you require the structure of a classroom, this method will not suit you.
Course Goals/Learner Outcomes
Participants will be able to demonstrate the ability to use Google tools independently and integrate Google resources into the curriculum. It is expected that participants share their course reflections in a wiki.
Instructor Profiles
Amy Phillips
Instructional Technologist, Grapevine Elementary School and Heritage Elementary School
Extension- 3649
Janie Stach
Instructional Technologist, Colleyville Middle School
Extension- 4964
Instructor Responsibilities
Answering questions and addressing concerns
Monitoring and Evaluating the Discussions
Evaluating Products
Posting Progress
Course Policies
Each module is intended to take about an hour to complete. Some modules may take more time and some less. As with any learning opportunity, what you put into the course will determine what you get out of it. A new module will begin each Monday and all assignments are expected to be completed by Sunday night.
This course is completely online. There are no actual class meetings. Although you have the flexibility of setting your own work schedule, you will be expected to adhere to the class schedule for assignments and participation in the discussions. You will have one week to work on each project. Plan and begin early. Do not wait until the last minute to prepare assignments for submission. Learning online allows you a lot of flexibility. It also takes self-discipline. Dedicate time at a regular interval to work on class assignments.
Assume responsibility for your own learning. This class is both project based and discussion based. Module introductions and tutorial links will only touch on some of the most important aspects of your assignments. As a result, you will be expected to assume a great deal of responsibility for your own learning outcomes. If you are highly motivated, visit the wiki and participate several times in each module and complete assignments… you will be successful.
You and your fellow participants will form a community of learners throughout this course. We want everyone to be a part in the learning. Your fellow classmates are looking forward to reading about your discoveries and opinions on the lessons’ topics. Participation in the discussion questions and writing reflective journals on your wiki are required activities.
Support for the course will be available from the course trainers (through email, phone call or wiki Help Desk), other class participants (through wiki Help Desk) and the campus technologist.
Course Technologies
For this course you need a computer with access to the internet. You will be asked to create a Google Account which will be used throughout the course. All projects will be completed via online sites. Help sheets linked on the site will be PDF files so Adobe Reader is required. It is available on all district computers and can be downloaded at home from http://www.adobe.com.
Course Learning Materials
All course information is organized on our GCISD Google wiki site. Links to movies, slideshows, help sheets and example ideas and activities can be found there.
Course Communication
You will receive announcement emails from the instructors to keep you on track in the course. We can be reached via our school email address or phone extension if you have any questions. We also have a “Help Desk” page on the wiki for posting questions.
Assessment
Assessment is based on completion of the required activities for each module. Each module will have a rubric of requirements for earning maximum points which translate to the number of hours you receive for the entire class.
Your personal point sheet will be shared with you in Google Docs. You will be able to view your points/hours at any time. No one else (except the trainers) will be able to view or edit this document.
Class Schedule, Objectives and Rubrics
January 3-9 - Getting Started with Google
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1. Create a Google account.
2. Create a Google Home Page.
3. Install the Google toolbar.
4. Create a wiki.
Grading for Module 1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry on wiki
Discussion participation
Product- Wiki & Google Home Page
January 10-16 - Google Search
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1. Use Google's advanced search features
2. Use Google's Wonder Wheel
3. Use Google Squared
4. Create a custom search engine and use it on a web page
Grading for Module 1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Google Search Lesson Plan & Custom Search Engine
January 24-30 - Google Documents
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1. Create, share, and edit Google documents online.
2. Create and utilize Google forms.
3. Locate and use a Google template.
Grading for Module 1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Google Documents Lesson Plan
January 31-February 6 - Picasa Web Albums
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1. Upload pictures to Picasa Web Albums
2. Share albums or pictures in Picasa Web Albums
3. Edit pictures in Picnik
Grading for Module 1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Shared Picasa Web Album with edited picture
February 7-13 - Google Reader
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1. Subscribe to blogs
2. Share blogs with others
3. Utilize blogs in the classroom to gain knowledge
Grading for Module 1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Google Reader
February 14-20 - Google Calendar
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1. Create a Google calendar.
2. Add events to a Google calendar.
3. Share a Google calendar.
4. Embed a Google calendar on a wiki or Schoolwires web page.
Grading for Module- 1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Embedded Google Calendar
Course Description
This online course is all about Google! Google offers many resources for educators. This course will offer participants opportunities to practice using Google resources in the classroom.Modules are Getting Started with Google, Google Search, Google Documents, Google Toolbar & Bookmarks, Google Reader, and Google Calendar.
Course Prerequisites
This is an advanced technology course that has been developed with the expectation that participants already know how to operate a computer with proficiency and browse the internet. Participants should be self-motivated independent learners who are able to meet weekly deadlines. Online learning is aimed at independent learners. If you require the structure of a classroom, this method will not suit you.Course Goals/Learner Outcomes
Participants will be able to demonstrate the ability to use Google tools independently and integrate Google resources into the curriculum. It is expected that participants share their course reflections in a wiki.Instructor Profiles
Amy PhillipsInstructional Technologist, Grapevine Elementary School and Heritage Elementary School
Extension- 3649
Janie Stach
Instructional Technologist, Colleyville Middle School
Extension- 4964
Instructor Responsibilities
Course Policies
Each module is intended to take about an hour to complete. Some modules may take more time and some less. As with any learning opportunity, what you put into the course will determine what you get out of it. A new module will begin each Monday and all assignments are expected to be completed by Sunday night.This course is completely online. There are no actual class meetings. Although you have the flexibility of setting your own work schedule, you will be expected to adhere to the class schedule for assignments and participation in the discussions. You will have one week to work on each project. Plan and begin early. Do not wait until the last minute to prepare assignments for submission. Learning online allows you a lot of flexibility. It also takes self-discipline. Dedicate time at a regular interval to work on class assignments.
Assume responsibility for your own learning. This class is both project based and discussion based. Module introductions and tutorial links will only touch on some of the most important aspects of your assignments. As a result, you will be expected to assume a great deal of responsibility for your own learning outcomes. If you are highly motivated, visit the wiki and participate several times in each module and complete assignments… you will be successful.
You and your fellow participants will form a community of learners throughout this course. We want everyone to be a part in the learning. Your fellow classmates are looking forward to reading about your discoveries and opinions on the lessons’ topics. Participation in the discussion questions and writing reflective journals on your wiki are required activities.
Support for the course will be available from the course trainers (through email, phone call or wiki Help Desk), other class participants (through wiki Help Desk) and the campus technologist.
Course Technologies
For this course you need a computer with access to the internet. You will be asked to create a Google Account which will be used throughout the course. All projects will be completed via online sites. Help sheets linked on the site will be PDF files so Adobe Reader is required. It is available on all district computers and can be downloaded at home from http://www.adobe.com.Course Learning Materials
All course information is organized on our GCISD Google wiki site. Links to movies, slideshows, help sheets and example ideas and activities can be found there.Course Communication
You will receive announcement emails from the instructors to keep you on track in the course. We can be reached via our school email address or phone extension if you have any questions. We also have a “Help Desk” page on the wiki for posting questions.Assessment
Assessment is based on completion of the required activities for each module. Each module will have a rubric of requirements for earning maximum points which translate to the number of hours you receive for the entire class.Your personal point sheet will be shared with you in Google Docs. You will be able to view your points/hours at any time. No one else (except the trainers) will be able to view or edit this document.
Class Schedule, Objectives and Rubrics
January 3-9 - Getting Started with Google
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:1. Create a Google account.
2. Create a Google Home Page.
3. Install the Google toolbar.
4. Create a wiki.
Grading for Module
1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry on wiki
Discussion participation
Product- Wiki & Google Home Page
January 10-16 - Google Search
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:1. Use Google's advanced search features
2. Use Google's Wonder Wheel
3. Use Google Squared
4. Create a custom search engine and use it on a web page
Grading for Module
1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Google Search Lesson Plan & Custom Search Engine
January 24-30 - Google Documents
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:1. Create, share, and edit Google documents online.
2. Create and utilize Google forms.
3. Locate and use a Google template.
Grading for Module
1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Google Documents Lesson Plan
January 31-February 6 - Picasa Web Albums
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:1. Upload pictures to Picasa Web Albums
2. Share albums or pictures in Picasa Web Albums
3. Edit pictures in Picnik
Grading for Module
1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Shared Picasa Web Album with edited picture
February 7-13 - Google Reader
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:1. Subscribe to blogs
2. Share blogs with others
3. Utilize blogs in the classroom to gain knowledge
Grading for Module
1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Google Reader
February 14-20 - Google Calendar
Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:1. Create a Google calendar.
2. Add events to a Google calendar.
3. Share a Google calendar.
4. Embed a Google calendar on a wiki or Schoolwires web page.
Grading for Module-
1 hour credit (All parts of the assignment must be complete to earn credit. No partial credit can be given.)
Journal entry
Discussion participation
Product- Embedded Google Calendar